Annual Diversity Awards Gala

Save the date for the 8th Annual Diversity Awards Gala 2024, the only multicultural awards event in Saskatoon exclusively celebrating workforce diversity! Next year's Gala will take place March 8, 2024, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. Join us for an evening of delicious food, multicultural entertainment, and fabulous door prizes as we celebrate the achievements of companies and individuals that have shown exceptional leadership in workplace diversity, and have demonstrated an inclusive attitude towards new immigrants.

We strive to work hand-in-hand with employers who recognize that newcomers bring broader perspectives and expertise to the workforce. Many Saskatchewan companies get a competitive edge by hiring staff from diverse cultural backgrounds, which reflects the increasingly diverse mosaic of their current and prospective clientele.

The Saskatoon Open Door Society holds an annual awards ceremony to recognize the achievements of companies and individuals that have shown exceptional leadership in workplace diversity and have demonstrated an inclusive attitude towards immigrants.

Step 1. We will accept both self-nominations and nominations from third parties.

Step 2. The Nominees themselves are required to complete and submit an application in order to be considered for an award.

Partner of the Year Award: In recognition of an employer that has partnered with the Saskatoon Open Door Society in promoting services and opportunities to our client network of refugees and recent immigrants in 2023. For example, they have collaborated with SODS to offer information sessions, conduct mock interviews, provide volunteer opportunities, arrange work placements, share job postings, and participate in the WEconnect Job Fair.

Newcomer Youth Recruitment Award: In recognition of a business or organization that has focused on the employment of immigrant youth (aged 14-29 years), and are dedicated to fostering diversity, training, and development.

Immigrant Newcomer Entrepreneur Award: In recognition of newcomer entrepreneurs who have overcome unique challenges to build successful organizations in Saskatoon and make meaningful contributions to the local economy in 2023.

Employer of Choice Award – Small Enterprise: In recognition of a small business or organization (50 employees or less) that has supported its workforce to flourish and succeed, and has made a positive impact on its employees, newcomers, and community at large.

Employer of Choice Award – Large Enterprise: In recognition of a large business or organization (50 employees or more) that has supported its workforce to flourish and succeed, and has made a positive impact on its employees, newcomers, and community at large.

Workplace Diversity, Inclusion, and Leadership Award – Small Enterprise: In recognition of a small business (50 employees or less)  or an organization that has demonstrated leadership in creating and promoting diversity and inclusion to improve the workplace culture and environment for its employees, and to better their services to their customers.

Workplace Diversity, Inclusion, and Leadership Award – Large Enterprise: In recognition of a large business or an organization (50 employees or more) that has demonstrated leadership in creating and promoting diversity and inclusion to improve the workplace culture and environment for its employees, and to better their services to their customers.

Immigrant Woman Resilience Award: In recognition of the achievements and significant contributions made by immigrant women as professionals, volunteers, or mentors who have overcome adversity and multiple barriers in their journey. They serve as inspirations to others through their resilience and determination.

Lifetime Achievement Award: In recognition of an individual who has made a lifelong commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice. They have dedicated their career and personal life to creating positive change and have left a lasting impact on the community.

* The term immigrant refers to recent and established newcomers whose education and work experience was mainly obtained outside of Canada.

Nominations for ADAG 2024 are now open. Thank you for your submission

• SARCAN Recycling | Workplace Diversity, Inclusion, and Leadership - Large Enterprises (Sponsored by Orano Group)
• Building Brains Early Learning Centre | Workplace Diversity, Inclusion, and Leadership - Small Enterprises (Sponsored by Saskatchewan Blue Cross)
• Saskatoon Public Schools | Partner of the Year (Sponsored by SGI)
• Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre | Newcomer Youth Recruitment (Sponsored by SIGA)
• Botté Chai Bar and Persian Kitchen | Newcomer Entrepreneurship Award (Sponsored by SKStartup Institute)
• 7Shifts | Employer of Choice (Sponsored by Cameco)

NEW - Immigrant Woman Resilience Award (Sponsored by Affinity Credit Union):

Rekha Suryavanshi
Yen Fung
Ila Kanungo Sarkar
Asifa Nasir
Sangin Niazi

Special Thanks to our Event Sponsor, Nutrien, and Entertainment Sponsor BHP 

• Botte Chai Bar & Delhi Chaat | Employer of Choice
• Hana Nails and Spa | Newcomer Entrepreneur
• WILD Outside Saskatoon | Newcomer Youth Recruitment
• 7Shifts |  Pandemic Recovery
• Raj Manek Foundation | Partner of the Year
• Vendasta | Workplace Diversity, Inclusion & Leadership

• University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry | Partner of the Year
• Walmart Canada | Pandemic Response - Enterprise
• Emily Martell | Pandemic Response - Individual
• Loraas Disposal North Ltd. | Essential Worker Champion - Large Enterprise
• Warm 'n' Cozy Personal Care Homes | Essential Worker Champion - Small Enterprise
• LAVVA Kitchen + Bar | Newcomer Entrepreneur
• Asit Sarkar, Delano Kennedy, Phuong Uyen Huynh, Sarah Cochran Smokeyday, Zainab Al-Musawi | Community Hero Recognition 

• Sinewy Construction | Leadership in Immigrant Recruitment - Small Enterprise
• Vendasta Technologies | Leadership in Immigrant Recruitment - Large Enterprise
• riide | Excellence in Immigrant Integration
• Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon | Employer Partner of the Year 
• Little Einstein's Early Learning Centre Inc. | Newcomer Entrepreneur 
• Ms. Hongsen Zhao | Individual Achievement in Immigrant Employment and Integration 

• Warm 'n' Cozy Personal Care Homes | Leadership in Immigrant Recruitment - Small Enterprise
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - Saskatoon | Leadership in Immigrant Recruitment - Large Enterprise
• Jerry’s Food Emporium | Excellence in Immigrant Integration - Small Enterprise
• Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) | Excellence in Immigrant Integration - Large Enterprise 
• Royal Bank of Canada | Long-Term Employer Partner
• Vendasta Technologies Inc. | Employer Partner of the Year 
• Tech Edge Ltd. | Newcomer Entrepreneur 
• Ms. Shana Stevens | Individual Achievement in Immigrant Employment and Integration 

• Jerry's Food Emporium | Leadership in Immigrant Employment – Small Enterprise
• Saskatoon Inn and Conference Centre | Leadership in Immigrant Employment – Large Enterprise
• 7shifts Employee Scheduling Software Inc. | Excellence in Immigrant Integration – Small Enterprise
• The Home Depot | Excellence in Immigrant Integration – Large Enterprise
• Maple Leaf Foods Inc. | Excellence in Immigrant Integration – Large Enterprise
• Vendasta Technologies Inc. | Employer Partner of the Year 
• The Saskatoon Co-operative Association Ltd. | Long-term Employer Partner 
• Mr. Jim Bence | Individual Achievement in Immigrant Employment and Integration